<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8" ?>
<?xml-stylesheet type="text/xsl" href="http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/rss.xsl" media="screen"?><rss version="2.0" xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:slash="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/slash/" xmlns:wfw="http://wellformedweb.org/CommentAPI/"><channel><title>First Thoughts: Cabinet census</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/12/18/1720602.aspx</link><description>From Chuck Todd, Mark Murray, Domenico Montanaro, and Carrie Dann*** Cabinet census: Obama has tapped retiring GOP Rep. Ray LaHood (R-IL) to be his Transportation secretary -- to be named Friday with likely his Labor secretary as well (maybe one of two</description><dc:language>en-US</dc:language><generator>CommunityServer 2.0 (Build: 60608.1)</generator><item><title>First Thoughts: Cabinet census</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/12/18/1720602.aspx#1720613</link><pubDate>Thu, 18 Dec 2008 14:50:14 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:1720613</guid><dc:creator>Chuck, WA</dc:creator><description>Sudden thoughts and second thoughts	&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Jerry in Corpus Christi, you went over the line yesterday with your post about the PE. &amp;nbsp;Please stick to your standard rants on money matters, welfare and immigration. &amp;nbsp;If you heard that statement from Limbaugh, Savage, Coulter, Hitchcock or Hannity, then they are to blame as well.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;The more I see Caroline Kennedy in public, the more I am convinced she will be a marvelous Senator. &amp;nbsp;Gov. Patterson, what are you waiting on?&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;I liked the article about the PE’s speechwriter. &amp;nbsp;I often have to try and read the mind of my bosses when I draft memos, letters, instructions, directives, etc. &amp;nbsp;You have no idea how important it is to be in sync with that person for whom you are writing. &amp;nbsp;It is a tough task to be a mind reader.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;I feel the more Chris M and Keith O talk about criminal prosecution of many Bush administration officials, up to and including W &amp;amp; Dick, over torture violations, etc., the more likely it is we will see some prosecution; either through Congress or the Justice Dept. &amp;nbsp;I am inclined now to pursue this in the Obama administration.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;With the MN Senate seat still in doubt, and the IL Senate seat for Obama still in doubt, Harry Reid must be ready to throw up in hands and shout. &amp;nbsp;His 58 or 59 DEM count may have to wait a while to come to light. &amp;nbsp;He better not be to aggressive with a DEM leaning agenda in JAN or FEB.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;I have the option of taking DEC 26 off because of the federal holiday, or JAN 20 because of the Inauguration; but not both. &amp;nbsp;Which would you choose?&lt;br&gt;</description></item><item><title>First Thoughts: Cabinet census</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/12/18/1720602.aspx#1720614</link><pubDate>Thu, 18 Dec 2008 14:50:54 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:1720614</guid><dc:creator>Pat, Boston, MA</dc:creator><description>Hello, My Name Is Johnny Cash – The Man. &lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;We’re all familiar with the method of madness for a father naming his son Sue. If his little boy had to go through life without his father to guide him, then naming him Sue would ensure that his son would grow up tough. And while it’s true it’s only a song, it was always a rather entertaining one and one sure to bring a smile and chuckle to just about everyone who listens to it. (My name is Sue, how do you do? Now you’re gonna die! ha ha!!!!!)&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;So perhaps there is a method to another father's madness - the father who went and named his son Adolph Hitler. Although I don't quite know what it is. &lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;It does kind of make you wonder though what kind of bedtime stories his parents are reading to their little child. &lt;br&gt;</description></item><item><title>First Thoughts: Cabinet census</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/12/18/1720602.aspx#1720618</link><pubDate>Thu, 18 Dec 2008 14:52:31 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:1720618</guid><dc:creator>jerry corpus/cristi, tx</dc:creator><description>Franken will win and we'll better off for it!</description></item><item><title>First Thoughts: Cabinet census</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/12/18/1720602.aspx#1720627</link><pubDate>Thu, 18 Dec 2008 14:55:16 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:1720627</guid><dc:creator>T Hyde, Albany NY</dc:creator><description>We'll finally see that Caroline Kennedy is making millions ever year from liberal special interest groups for doing virtually no work. I guess liberals will then rally against her because, you know, Caroline is one of the &amp;quot;Evil Rich&amp;quot; people they keep talking about.</description></item><item><title>First Thoughts: Cabinet census</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/12/18/1720602.aspx#1720631</link><pubDate>Thu, 18 Dec 2008 14:57:00 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:1720631</guid><dc:creator>Josh King, Iowa</dc:creator><description>Will Princess Caroline ever talk to the press? I guess she'll show up on the hard hitting news show Larry King Live to answer the tough questions from old Larry.</description></item><item><title>First Thoughts: Cabinet census</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/12/18/1720602.aspx#1720633</link><pubDate>Thu, 18 Dec 2008 14:57:31 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:1720633</guid><dc:creator>Ray C., Coral Springs, FL</dc:creator><description>Rick Warren is the new &amp;quot;Billy Graham&amp;quot;. &amp;nbsp;I'm fine with him blessing our new president. &amp;nbsp;Barack will need God on his side big time moving forward.</description></item><item><title>First Thoughts: Cabinet census</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/12/18/1720602.aspx#1720638</link><pubDate>Thu, 18 Dec 2008 14:59:23 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:1720638</guid><dc:creator>Diane from Illinois</dc:creator><description>Bush can try and fabricate all he wants about how he would like to be remembered, but the fact is, he will be remembered as an idiot who was nothing more than Dick Cheney's puppet and the worst president in our history who was responsible for over 4,000 deaths of our citizens. End of story. Isn't that something for all you Republicans to be proud of?</description></item><item><title>First Thoughts: Cabinet census</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/12/18/1720602.aspx#1720640</link><pubDate>Thu, 18 Dec 2008 15:00:01 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:1720640</guid><dc:creator>Vote for Pedro</dc:creator><description>I can't wait to see Charlie Gibson interview Caroline Kennedy. He'll look down his nose at her as he questions her on obscure foreign policy questions, just like he did with Palin. And I'm sure the press will focus on the important things of Caroline, like, what she's wearing today and how she does her hair.</description></item><item><title>First Thoughts: Cabinet census</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/12/18/1720602.aspx#1720641</link><pubDate>Thu, 18 Dec 2008 15:00:37 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:1720641</guid><dc:creator>MSierra, SF</dc:creator><description>I'd rather have Rev. Wright speak than Rick Warren&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;But, I get it&lt;br&gt;Reaching out&lt;br&gt;No big, I hope&lt;br&gt;I can understand why the LGBT community is annoyed&lt;br&gt;But, conversely, don't we have an openly gay appointee&lt;br&gt;(I think)&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Eric, Salinas, We're SAVED&lt;br&gt;The Democrats have found a way to pass the budget and raise taxes without the Republicans !!&lt;br&gt;Let's hope it works !!&lt;br&gt;(and about time)&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;A GREAT example for Obama&lt;br&gt;If the Republicans won't cooperate, ROLL OVER THEM !!</description></item><item><title>First Thoughts: Cabinet census</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/12/18/1720602.aspx#1720646</link><pubDate>Thu, 18 Dec 2008 15:03:12 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:1720646</guid><dc:creator>Eric, Salinas, CA</dc:creator><description>Only with the bushwhacker's lack of oversight could this Madoff robber baron have operated for so long undetected. &amp;nbsp;SEC chair Cox should not just blame his agency but his pathtetic leadership and unwillingness to investigate robber barons.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;The bushbaby's legacy tour is such a farce of lies. &amp;nbsp;Now they're trying to revise history to amke themselves look better than they actually performed. &amp;nbsp;No amount of lying will ever disguise the sheer incompetence of the worst president in history. &amp;nbsp;We should put the whole lot of them in Gitmo and then throw away the keys. &amp;nbsp;Or we should torture them the way they tortured so many innocent people to ensure they finally realize what torture is.</description></item><item><title>First Thoughts: Cabinet census</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/12/18/1720602.aspx#1720650</link><pubDate>Thu, 18 Dec 2008 15:03:26 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:1720650</guid><dc:creator>Reggie, Columbia, SC</dc:creator><description>Are there numbers on how much Madoff donated to charitable organizations? Spirit of Christmas and all, I'd love to give this guy the benefit of at least a little doubt before I decide that he's totally morally bankrupt...</description></item><item><title>First Thoughts: Cabinet census</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/12/18/1720602.aspx#1720651</link><pubDate>Thu, 18 Dec 2008 15:04:09 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:1720651</guid><dc:creator>Ron Indiana</dc:creator><description>Joe Scarbrough and media pundits remind me of the cult movie/stage play &amp;quot;Little shop of Horrors&amp;quot;. &amp;nbsp;The flesh eating plant whose one line is &amp;quot;feed me&amp;quot; then consumes those who feed it. Obama refused to feed the media, causing great consternation. &amp;nbsp;The media can fast for 5 days before they get the details on Baago and Emanuel, so Pat, Joe, Chris, David, take a pill and a deep breath. &amp;nbsp;&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Possible GM-Chrysler merger: &amp;nbsp;What makes any thinking person believe that the two auto companies that are failing (badly) will merge and be successful? &amp;nbsp;Actually, it doesn't matter what Bush does. &amp;nbsp;GM and Chrysler are slow moving dinosaurs who will not survive the economic catastrophe. &amp;nbsp;For weeks I've been predicting that Ford will come out of this mess as the only auto company left standing. &amp;nbsp;I'm so sure of it, yesterday I bought Ford stock. &amp;nbsp;&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Speaking of nonsense: What's the big deal with with Rick Warren giving the inaugral prayer. &amp;nbsp;Doesn't the Progressives pray to the same God as the evangelicals?&lt;br&gt;Again the media is making a big thing out of noting. We are back to &amp;quot;feed me&amp;quot;.</description></item><item><title>First Thoughts: Cabinet census</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/12/18/1720602.aspx#1720656</link><pubDate>Thu, 18 Dec 2008 15:07:23 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:1720656</guid><dc:creator>Rick, NC</dc:creator><description>Perhaps Warren can condemn a few other social groups during his &amp;quot;bring the nation&amp;quot; together invocation...he hates everyone not like him...white born again and hate filled</description></item><item><title>First Thoughts: Cabinet census</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/12/18/1720602.aspx#1720657</link><pubDate>Thu, 18 Dec 2008 15:07:52 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:1720657</guid><dc:creator>dl, exeter, nh</dc:creator><description>I am sorry but are you idiots&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;You are comparing an appearance at a debate at Saddleback with the inauguration of the President of the United States.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;America does not know Rick warren's statements on homosexuality.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;It is not about gay marriage...it is about a man who compares homosexuality and say they are like pedophiles.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Go do a little research before you write a story like this.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;It is not a left wing vs. right issue.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;It is a center vs. right wing issue.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;If someone called you a pedophile and said you were going to hell forever...do you think they should be giving the moral voice at the Nation's inauguration&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;or should be chosen as the &amp;quot;new&amp;quot; moral authority in the nation?&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;especially an inauguration where the President elect's parent faced similar prejudices.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;It is not about gay marriage...it is about antiquated and harmful beliefs about homosexuals...that very little of America still believes.</description></item><item><title>First Thoughts: Cabinet census</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/12/18/1720602.aspx#1720659</link><pubDate>Thu, 18 Dec 2008 15:08:08 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:1720659</guid><dc:creator>Eric, Salinas, CA</dc:creator><description>We can only hope that Obama will heed so many peeved Liberals and Democrats to the pick of that disgusting fool of faith Warren being asked to the inauguration. &amp;nbsp;This is not the change we can believe in, it's an insult to our secular democracy.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;I'm glad that Caroline Kennedy has spoken out for her deserving to replace Hillary. &amp;nbsp;She will do a great job of raising money for her campaign in two and four years so that she crushes any opposition from the repugnant ones.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Free al-Zeidi and give him a Medal of Freedfom!</description></item><item><title>First Thoughts: Cabinet census</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/12/18/1720602.aspx#1720664</link><pubDate>Thu, 18 Dec 2008 15:11:24 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:1720664</guid><dc:creator>Rock,Janesville,Wisconsin</dc:creator><description> So far Obama has appeared to have picked forward thinking professionals for his cabinet. The real test will start next year when the Obama-Biden Government takes over. Until then America, we will just have to wait, and see how things go next year. The Obama-Biden Government will have a lot of work too do. Especially over at the Department of Justice! That is fact!</description></item><item><title>First Thoughts: Cabinet census</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/12/18/1720602.aspx#1720666</link><pubDate>Thu, 18 Dec 2008 15:12:15 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:1720666</guid><dc:creator>LoserCuda, Wasilla, AK</dc:creator><description>He has one veteran in his cabinet - Shinseki.</description></item><item><title>First Thoughts: Cabinet census</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/12/18/1720602.aspx#1720667</link><pubDate>Thu, 18 Dec 2008 15:12:34 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:1720667</guid><dc:creator>Kevin Wall,  NY</dc:creator><description>So Bernard Madoff is a liberal Democrat! Small wonder. These crooks know that they can get special treatment from the Dems for the schemes they hatch. You look at Schumer, Barney Frank, and Chris Dodd. That crew of Democrats take in more special interest money then anyone else from these Wall Street types, then they act all pompous and arrogent during public hearings, but when the legislation passes, people like Bernard Madoff get taken care of in a positive way. It that easy treatment from Dodd, Frank, and Schumer will continue, as long as the campaign contributions keep coming in.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;$50 billion!?? That would have bailed out the Big 3 automakers three times over. That would have bought the Big 3 ten times over!</description></item><item><title>First Thoughts: Cabinet census</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/12/18/1720602.aspx#1720668</link><pubDate>Thu, 18 Dec 2008 15:13:22 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:1720668</guid><dc:creator>Mitch Gross Coralville, IA</dc:creator><description>Chuck, there are some inaccuracies regarding Tom Vilsack. &amp;nbsp;#1, he did not attend a state school, and 2nd he was raised in the Pittsburgh area and went to college and law school in NY.</description></item><item><title>First Thoughts: Cabinet census</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/12/18/1720602.aspx#1720670</link><pubDate>Thu, 18 Dec 2008 15:14:16 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:1720670</guid><dc:creator>TEC-Spring-Tx</dc:creator><description>The donations to Charity are nice, but the money should go back to the people who where swindled. But the amount was just a small amount whne compared to the total sustained loses. </description></item><item><title>First Thoughts: Cabinet census</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/12/18/1720602.aspx#1720674</link><pubDate>Thu, 18 Dec 2008 15:14:53 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:1720674</guid><dc:creator>eagle1776</dc:creator><description>So Madoff made off with the money and now he has been caught. Throw the book at that greedy creep. This is precicely one reason for the financial mess we are in right now. Madoff can be the poster child for the whole mess. </description></item><item><title>First Thoughts: Cabinet census</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/12/18/1720602.aspx#1720680</link><pubDate>Thu, 18 Dec 2008 15:17:12 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:1720680</guid><dc:creator>Pat Huntington NY</dc:creator><description>The reason I am not thrilled over Obama's choice of Rick Warren to deliver the invocation, is not any animus against religion, but instead, is about this man in particular because of this man's own views against gay marriage and women's rights, which he's shoved down our throats and used his position of religious power to advocate same. &amp;nbsp;HE, not Christianity, not Faith, is the reason many of us in the LGBT community are very displeased with Obama's choice. &amp;nbsp;Does Obama have the right make this unwise choice? Of course...but doesn't mean those who find it offensive must keep our mouths shut!</description></item><item><title>First Thoughts: Cabinet census</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/12/18/1720602.aspx#1720683</link><pubDate>Thu, 18 Dec 2008 15:18:16 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:1720683</guid><dc:creator>Clara Kansas City, MO</dc:creator><description>&amp;quot;...Some cynics might view his call as a ruse, that he's fundamentally a deregulator and was pandering to what he thought was the visceral populist notion in the country. But was he wrong?&amp;quot;&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;If by 'wrong' you mean calling for a firing that he would not have been permitted to make, well, yes. &amp;nbsp;If by ruse you mean making some blanket statement for political purposes, well, yes. &amp;nbsp;And if by 'suspending' his campaign he had hoped to appear 'concerned' by making this a priority instead of seeming inept and unable to 'multi task', well, yes, again.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;I'm sorry; but I am going to have a really hard time 'looking back' and thinking anything McCain managed to bumble through and say had any merit or basis in reality. &amp;nbsp;You are far to generous, FR. &amp;nbsp;I found it even more interesting that on ABC This Week w/ George S., McCain indicated that he '...wouldn't necessarily support a Palin candidacy ... as there are lots of good Republican leaders...'&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Lucky for us Dems, he didn't pick one as his running mate, or we'd be seeing weekly &amp;quot;uncle fester&amp;quot; pressers. &amp;nbsp;Thank goodness!</description></item><item><title>First Thoughts: Cabinet census</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/12/18/1720602.aspx#1720684</link><pubDate>Thu, 18 Dec 2008 15:19:00 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:1720684</guid><dc:creator>jesse     St.Paul Minnesota</dc:creator><description>Poor George,still trying to sell the war,right up until the last day.He and Chaney are about as sorry as they come.They will go down as the worst pair to ever sit in the WH.They have turned friends into enemies,they took us to war that they created in there minds.They have no remorse for the 400O+ killed,the Thousands with &amp;nbsp;injury's, lost limbs,brain injury's,and for what.Two self serving scum bags who stood to profit from this war.But of coarse no one from the MSM has the Ba!!s to call them out,I guess it is easier to just let them tell there tale.Real historians will write real story.And these two creeps will be held accountable.Or God will.</description></item><item><title>First Thoughts: Cabinet census</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/12/18/1720602.aspx#1720686</link><pubDate>Thu, 18 Dec 2008 15:19:31 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:1720686</guid><dc:creator>Indie Woman in Denver</dc:creator><description>I don't think Obama could possibly make everyone happy when it comes to who gives the invocation. Most people have their own favorite pastor (rabbi, priest, whatever). Rick Warren wouldn't be my choice, but on the other hand, in the interest of making the inauguration all inclusive, it's not a bad idea to pick someone who's popular with the folks who voted against him. And in reality, it's only a few minutes out of the whole ceremony and it's not what makes the inauguration &amp;quot;official&amp;quot; (the oath of office is what does that), so how much does it really matter?</description></item><item><title>First Thoughts: Cabinet census</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/12/18/1720602.aspx#1720695</link><pubDate>Thu, 18 Dec 2008 15:25:28 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:1720695</guid><dc:creator>Jill F., Tulsa, OK</dc:creator><description>I read the story on msnbc about gay rights groups being upset about Obama's choice of Rick Warren to deliver the invocation. &amp;nbsp;It is difficult for me to completely understand the frustration surrounding the gay marriage movement, since it is not my experience. &amp;nbsp;However, why is it that Obama is expected to cater to this group? &amp;nbsp;I believe as Obama does on this matter: civil unions should absolutely be legal for all people. &amp;nbsp;Marriage, at its core, is a religious institution, but the government (for a lot of reasons) is involved since and gives an array of benefits to those who choose to marry. &amp;nbsp;But, if the government had called &amp;quot;marriage&amp;quot; civil unions from the beginning, would there be this big push to legitimize gay marriage? &amp;nbsp;Would it be acceptable, then, to legalize civil unions for same sex couples to both gay and straight people? &amp;nbsp;I think it would. &amp;nbsp;It is the religious connotation that marriage carries with it that makes people so upset about the movement to legalize gay marriage. &amp;nbsp;It is an assault to their religious beliefs, and I think they feel like it is inappropriate for a group of people to interfere with the tenets of their religion. &amp;nbsp;I am not saying that any one way is right or wrong...I am not a fan of organized religion in general, but I think that it is in the best interests of gay rights groups and gay activists to not try to shove certain things down people's throats and hurl insults at those who don't believe the way that they do. &amp;nbsp;I mean, it is supposed to be about tolerance, right? &amp;nbsp;Well, tolerance works both ways.</description></item><item><title>First Thoughts: Cabinet census</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/12/18/1720602.aspx#1720705</link><pubDate>Thu, 18 Dec 2008 15:30:05 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:1720705</guid><dc:creator>Joe, Arlington, VA</dc:creator><description>Salazar didn't go to a state school. &amp;nbsp;Colorado College is a private liberal arts college.</description></item><item><title>First Thoughts: Cabinet census</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/12/18/1720602.aspx#1720713</link><pubDate>Thu, 18 Dec 2008 15:33:35 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:1720713</guid><dc:creator>Dan, NY</dc:creator><description>We now know what Franken is facing now. Only the Coleman challenges remain, and to close the gap Franken needs 358 more ballots be attributed to him than will be attributed to Coleman. This is out of a total of more than 1,000 remaining challenged ballots.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Full analysis and calculations: &lt;a rel="nofollow" target="_new" href="http://campaigndiaries.com/2008/12/17/day-2-canvassing-board#challenges"&gt;http://campaigndiaries.com/2008/12/17/day-2-canvassing-board#challenges&lt;/a&gt;</description></item><item><title>First Thoughts: Cabinet census</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/12/18/1720602.aspx#1720722</link><pubDate>Thu, 18 Dec 2008 15:38:46 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:1720722</guid><dc:creator>Andrea, New York City</dc:creator><description>Those who think Caroline Kennedy is not tough enough, THINK AGAIN:&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Her father and uncle were assignated, mother died of cancer, Brother killed in plane accident; Uncle teddy dying of cancer.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;And she has an upbeat attitude; Has compassion, sensivity, and intelligence.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;And she compaigned for Barack Obama for 2 GRUELING years and was a leader of his transition team. The list goes on.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;I WOULD SAY SHE IS TOUGH ENOUGH!!!!</description></item><item><title>First Thoughts: Cabinet census</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/12/18/1720602.aspx#1720730</link><pubDate>Thu, 18 Dec 2008 15:45:53 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:1720730</guid><dc:creator>J. Ellis, Virginia</dc:creator><description>FR:The title of the speech is: &amp;quot;Building on a Foundation for the Future.&amp;quot; &lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;What future would that be George Bush? Thanks to your lack of governance and inept leadership, America is facing the toughest economic times in a lifetime. Thanks to you and Cheney, the world is a more dangerous and meaner place, Americans are more desperate and concerned about their future than ever before. Thanks to you, the blood of 4,000 Americans and countless Iraqi citizens is on your hands. Thanks to you and Paulson's for your wonderful advice to us to bailout the Wall Street execs so they can squander away more of the taxpayer's hard earned money, while consumers beg for loans with money that should be readily available to them.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;For someone who came into the presidency with a balanced budget, an unprecedented surplus, and no wars, you should be so proud of how you squandered the gift that was given to you. PE Obama will inherit staggering debt, and an economy on the brink of collapse. Meantime, you will go off to your $2M home in Dallas, live in oppulence and splendor, or maybe write a few books while the rest of us suffer through what your reign has wrought. &lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;There is little wonder that only 2 shoes were thrown at your head.&lt;br&gt;</description></item><item><title>First Thoughts: Cabinet census</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/12/18/1720602.aspx#1720732</link><pubDate>Thu, 18 Dec 2008 15:49:29 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:1720732</guid><dc:creator>Chris - IL</dc:creator><description>I love the spin by Bush and the Republicans about how he has kept us safe since 9/11. He fails to mention that he was the President when we were actually attacked and 3,000 people were killed by foreign terrorists. Did I miss the part of history where the US was attacked by foreign terrorists, and thousands of civilians were killed while another President was in office?</description></item><item><title>First Thoughts: Cabinet census</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/12/18/1720602.aspx#1720736</link><pubDate>Thu, 18 Dec 2008 15:56:16 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:1720736</guid><dc:creator>Larry, Madison Wisconsin</dc:creator><description>If we wanted the policies of Rev Warren to be in the White House maybe we should have elected Senator McCain. Yes, we are angry with Pres-elect Obama maybe betrayed is more like it. The LGBT groups through out the country should write to Pres-elect Obama and voice their betrayal.</description></item><item><title>First Thoughts: Cabinet census</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/12/18/1720602.aspx#1720741</link><pubDate>Thu, 18 Dec 2008 15:58:43 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:1720741</guid><dc:creator>jerry/corpus christi texas</dc:creator><description>Ohhhhhhh......&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;The gay people just need to get a life and accept the voter's decision. &amp;nbsp;Going out and starting riots just makes you people look like a bunch of idiots.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Chuck Schumer is a liar...&lt;br&gt;According to reports, he recieved a total of $7600. &amp;nbsp;Why is he keeping $1600????&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Did Rangel ever pay his taxes?&lt;br&gt;Another goofy Liberal moron who is in charge of the Tax codes and didn't pay his taxes on his vacation house. &amp;nbsp;He needs to go to jail.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;</description></item><item><title>First Thoughts: Cabinet census</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/12/18/1720602.aspx#1720744</link><pubDate>Thu, 18 Dec 2008 16:01:38 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:1720744</guid><dc:creator>Beverly in Chicago</dc:creator><description>Ask Not, &amp;nbsp; is anyone but People for the American Way and the Human Rights Campaign surprised that Rick Warren is going to give a prayer at the inauguration? &lt;br&gt;But, ask where is the outrage for Madof, or why aren't &amp;nbsp;people jabbering about Bush paving the way for Anti-envirolmentalist, oil corporations, &amp;nbsp;Haliburton, Black water; and among other things, those programs of &amp;nbsp;increased food stamps and other nutrition programs, health insurance, unemployment insurance, and fewer job training programs?&lt;br&gt;Of course, McCain was just as &amp;nbsp;wrong a deregulator as Reagan? &amp;nbsp;Where is the robust economy in the United States, other Western Hemisphere, and global economies; if so? &lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;</description></item><item><title>First Thoughts: Cabinet census</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/12/18/1720602.aspx#1720751</link><pubDate>Thu, 18 Dec 2008 16:08:46 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:1720751</guid><dc:creator>Spinout</dc:creator><description>I'm sick of this recount. Over &amp;amp; over again. Let ME count the damn ballots and we'll see who the real winner is. </description></item><item><title>First Thoughts: Cabinet census</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/12/18/1720602.aspx#1720753</link><pubDate>Thu, 18 Dec 2008 16:11:35 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:1720753</guid><dc:creator>MSierra, SF</dc:creator><description>Where's the Joe-Mentum ?&lt;br&gt;Get EXCITED !!&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;'...NO LOVE FOR LIEBERMAN.... About a month ago, Senate Democrats made it abundantly clear that they're not angry with Joe Lieberman for his campaign antics throughout the year. Lieberman's constituents, however, are far more peeved.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;A new Quinnipiac poll shows Lieberman's approval rating tanking after voters watched their independent senator act like a Republican attack dog for the better part of 2008.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Lieberman ... had the approval of 38 percent and the disapproval of 54 percent of voters. &lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;The rating was the worst of any senator in a Quinnipiac poll since Robert Torricelli of New Jersey was forced to resign in 2002...'&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;I guess he's lost his Mo-Joe !!</description></item><item><title>First Thoughts: Cabinet census</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/12/18/1720602.aspx#1720754</link><pubDate>Thu, 18 Dec 2008 16:13:35 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:1720754</guid><dc:creator>Rory Storm</dc:creator><description>Caroline Kennedy a senator? In this particular case I don't think the shoe fits. No experience. No sense of balance. No direction home. What are we doing to this country that we give away Hillary's seat to this over-the-hill debutante who is an absolute airhead?</description></item><item><title>First Thoughts: Cabinet census</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/12/18/1720602.aspx#1720756</link><pubDate>Thu, 18 Dec 2008 16:14:13 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:1720756</guid><dc:creator>Curtis T., Long Island</dc:creator><description>Caroline Kennedy has less knowledge and experience than Silly Sara Palin. There is no way she could be considered for office. We Dem's should be furious at the very idea of her becoming a Senator. This would make us look just like McCain.</description></item><item><title>First Thoughts: Cabinet census</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/12/18/1720602.aspx#1720767</link><pubDate>Thu, 18 Dec 2008 16:22:10 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:1720767</guid><dc:creator>Kathie, CT</dc:creator><description>the numbers breakdown is interesting but I didn't see anything on how many left-handers or blue vs. brown eyed people. &amp;nbsp;Are these guys short or tall?? How many are overweight?&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;On a more serious note -- level of higher ed, age, religion, and sexual preference might be interesting.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;</description></item><item><title>First Thoughts: Cabinet census</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/12/18/1720602.aspx#1720769</link><pubDate>Thu, 18 Dec 2008 16:22:39 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:1720769</guid><dc:creator>Monkberry Moon Delight</dc:creator><description>When it snows 6 inches in Las Vegas Blagojevich will&lt;br&gt;go free ... like that's gonna happen. </description></item><item><title>First Thoughts: Cabinet census</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/12/18/1720602.aspx#1720770</link><pubDate>Thu, 18 Dec 2008 16:23:24 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:1720770</guid><dc:creator>BROKE IN FLORIDA</dc:creator><description>IT'S TIME WE GET SOME &amp;quot;ADULT&amp;quot; SUPERVISION OVER THE FINANCIAL INDUSTRY. SINCE IT'S EVEDENT THAT THERE HAS BEEN NONE IN THE LAST 8 YEARS.</description></item><item><title>First Thoughts: Cabinet census</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/12/18/1720602.aspx#1720787</link><pubDate>Thu, 18 Dec 2008 16:33:10 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:1720787</guid><dc:creator>Paul A Trouve, Montague, NJ</dc:creator><description>If Caroline Kennedy wants to be in the Senate let her run for a Senate seat! Where does she come off expressing her interest in a Senate seat? She has no qualifications other than being a woman for diversity sake!&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Hillary should just slap her face for trying to get her seat after she supported Obama! And I wouldn't be surprised if that blind, dimwitted, adulterous, black governor of NY appoints her based upon her diversity qualification of being a woman!</description></item><item><title>First Thoughts: Cabinet census</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/12/18/1720602.aspx#1720795</link><pubDate>Thu, 18 Dec 2008 16:38:39 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:1720795</guid><dc:creator>Beam me up Scottie</dc:creator><description>33 Days until Obama's inauguration, but who's counting ? Answer : Everone on planet earth.</description></item><item><title>First Thoughts: Cabinet census</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/12/18/1720602.aspx#1720804</link><pubDate>Thu, 18 Dec 2008 16:44:54 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:1720804</guid><dc:creator>Marcus D., Chicago</dc:creator><description>Former President Bill Clinton's foundation has raised at least $41 million from Saudi Arabia and other foreign governments that his wife Hillary Rodham Clinton may end up negotiating with as the next secretary of state.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Ouch! Looks like another Democratic scandal-controversy heading our way for 2009! The plot and line up for this comedy is getting better all the time! Only 33 more days! Get your popcorn ready!</description></item><item><title>First Thoughts: Cabinet census</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/12/18/1720602.aspx#1720822</link><pubDate>Thu, 18 Dec 2008 16:57:56 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:1720822</guid><dc:creator>Jackson, Seattle</dc:creator><description>We'll finally see that Caroline Kennedy is making millions ever year from liberal special interest groups for doing virtually no work. I guess liberals will then rally against her because, you know, Caroline is one of the &amp;quot;Evil Rich&amp;quot; people they keep talking about. &lt;br&gt;T Hyde, Albany NY (Sent Thursday, December 18, 2008 9:55 AM)&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;___________&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;She is heir to the Onassis fortune, what does she need with anyone else's money? &amp;nbsp;But why use facts, when you can use partisanship instead, right?</description></item><item><title>First Thoughts: Cabinet census</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/12/18/1720602.aspx#1720825</link><pubDate>Thu, 18 Dec 2008 16:59:38 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:1720825</guid><dc:creator>Erica in Salinas, CA</dc:creator><description>33 Days until Obama's inauguration, but who's counting ? Answer : Everone on planet earth. &lt;br&gt;-------------------------------------------------&lt;br&gt;I know I'm counting. &amp;nbsp;The sooner his term begins, the sooner it ends. &amp;nbsp;</description></item><item><title>First Thoughts: Cabinet census</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/12/18/1720602.aspx#1720828</link><pubDate>Thu, 18 Dec 2008 17:03:11 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:1720828</guid><dc:creator>Jack, Dallas</dc:creator><description> I've been wondering who the bozos on MSNBC, Olbermann and Maddow, would be hating come January 20th, since the most frequent object of their attacks would be leaving town. &amp;nbsp;Now it appears they'll just continue hating Bush. &amp;nbsp;Time to let go. &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp;</description></item><item><title>First Thoughts: Cabinet census</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/12/18/1720602.aspx#1720831</link><pubDate>Thu, 18 Dec 2008 17:05:37 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:1720831</guid><dc:creator>Jackson, Seattle</dc:creator><description>Ohhhhhhh...... &lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;The gay people just need to get a life and accept the voter's decision. &amp;nbsp;Going out and starting riots just makes you people look like a bunch of idiots.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;jerry/corpus christi texas (Sent Thursday, December 18, 2008 10:58 AM)&lt;br&gt;________________&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Yeah, why riot to look like idiots when we can do it from behind a computer, like you do?</description></item><item><title>First Thoughts: Cabinet census</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/12/18/1720602.aspx#1720836</link><pubDate>Thu, 18 Dec 2008 17:10:41 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:1720836</guid><dc:creator>Jackson, Seattle</dc:creator><description>Caroline Kennedy has less knowledge and experience than Silly Sara Palin. There is no way she could be considered for office. We Dem's should be furious at the very idea of her becoming a Senator. This would make us look just like McCain. &lt;br&gt;Curtis T., Long Island (Sent Thursday, December 18, 2008 11:14 AM)&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;____________&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Caroline is Harvard and Columbia Law educated. &amp;nbsp;If you ask her which papers she reads, she will give you a better answer than &amp;quot;all of them that are put in front of me&amp;quot;...if you ask Caroline about her opinions about Supreme Court decisions, she will give you thoughtful educated answers, not look like a dear caught in headlights wondering how to fit &amp;quot;mccain is a maverick&amp;quot; into the answer....&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;I love how many people say &amp;quot;more of the same&amp;quot; when the same people run over and over, yet when someone new tries to enter the picture, all we hear is &amp;quot;no experience&amp;quot;. &amp;nbsp;Did Hillary have experience when she ran for the Senate? &amp;nbsp;Did Fred Thompson? &amp;nbsp;Did Arnold have experience before running for Governor? &amp;nbsp;She is well educated and has the desire. &amp;nbsp;Since when is that not enough?</description></item><item><title>First Thoughts: Cabinet census</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/12/18/1720602.aspx#1720850</link><pubDate>Thu, 18 Dec 2008 17:22:49 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:1720850</guid><dc:creator>Scott in Washington DC</dc:creator><description>I usually love the job First Read does, but this post is despicable. &amp;nbsp;SMILING because they screwed over gay Americans? &amp;nbsp;Whoever wrote that line is not only cynical about the people in charge but has a very sick way of looking at the world themselves. &amp;nbsp;We aren't talking about interest groups. &amp;nbsp;It's gay Americans. &amp;nbsp;I wonder if you would have written in the 1950's that Eisenhower's team must be smiling because they screwed over that interest group called black Americans, but at least they scored some political points with racists!</description></item><item><title>First Thoughts: Cabinet census</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/12/18/1720602.aspx#1720852</link><pubDate>Thu, 18 Dec 2008 17:23:56 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:1720852</guid><dc:creator>Dan St. Louis, MO</dc:creator><description>Franken will win and we'll better off for it! &lt;br&gt;jerry corpus/cristi, tx&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Either Jerry is sick or this is someone else pretending to be Jerry. &amp;nbsp;Sounds more like the second one to me. &amp;nbsp;After all the ranting Jerry has done, this does not sound like a comment he would make.</description></item><item><title>First Thoughts: Cabinet census</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/12/18/1720602.aspx#1720895</link><pubDate>Thu, 18 Dec 2008 17:57:36 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:1720895</guid><dc:creator>matt</dc:creator><description>Does he really want to pick a fight with the left in the midst of a tricky transition and the Blago scandal? No more headaches, right? GLBT protesters at the inauguration won't look very nice...&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;a rel="nofollow" target="_new" href="http://www.political-buzz.com/"&gt;http://www.political-buzz.com/&lt;/a&gt;</description></item><item><title>First Thoughts: Cabinet census</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/12/18/1720602.aspx#1720900</link><pubDate>Thu, 18 Dec 2008 18:00:01 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:1720900</guid><dc:creator>Rick, NC</dc:creator><description>So jerry from CC believes the majority should dictate the sexual behavior of the minority...ignorance like that passed laws against interracial marriage and having sex for fun only...no pleasure for you according to jerrys kind unless he approves of it</description></item><item><title>First Thoughts: Cabinet census</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/12/18/1720602.aspx#1720903</link><pubDate>Thu, 18 Dec 2008 18:01:47 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:1720903</guid><dc:creator>Roddy Piper</dc:creator><description>Rick Warrens church should be invetigated. He has collected hundreds of millions but cannot account for much of it. He's a low life telecharlatan crook.</description></item></channel></rss>